RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), together with the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government, is accelerating plans to develop a Long Distance Ferry (LDF) route between Java and NTT. This plan is designed to strengthen the maritime logistics corridor while expanding accessibility in eastern Indonesia.

The strategic meeting, held at ASDP’s headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, July 27, 2026, discussed the results of a preliminary study on the development of a Ro-Ro ferry route connecting Surabaya with Lembata and Belu. This collaborative effort aims to reduce logistics distribution costs and minimize the risk of cargo damage by eliminating the need for transshipment.

The meeting was attended by ASDP’s executive board as well as several regional leaders from East Nusa Tenggara Province, including representatives from the East Nusa Tenggara Transportation Agency, the Regent of Lembata, the Regent of Malaka, the Regent of Belu, and the Deputy Regent of Alor. The presence of these stakeholders underscored their shared commitment to strengthening connectivity in island and border regions.

On that occasion, ASDP President Director Heru Widodo emphasized the importance of logistics efficiency for the archipelago. “For ASDP, connectivity is not merely about linking ports, but about ensuring that every service delivers tangible benefits to the community. Ferry services must be able to facilitate the distribution of goods, improve logistics efficiency, expand market access, maintain supply chains, and open up new economic opportunities," he said.

The potential of NTT’s key commodities, such as livestock, fisheries, seaweed, and plantations, is considered sufficient to serve as return cargo to Java. The establishment of this two-way logistics ecosystem is projected to prevent empty-voyage trips, thereby enabling LDF route operations to run more efficiently and sustainably.

Support for this maritime route expansion plan was also expressed directly by local government officials. Lembata Regent Petrus Kanisius Tuaq stated, “We are grateful for the opportunity to discuss this with ASDP. The most important thing is to ensure that both outbound and return voyages carry cargo so that the service can operate sustainably. Maritime transportation is the lifeblood of archipelagic regions, and we hope this collaboration will mark the beginning of build up connectivity capable of driving economic growth for the people of East Nusa Tenggara.”

To ensure operational readiness and business viability, all parties agreed to expedite a more comprehensive follow-up study. This in-depth planning includes the readiness of supporting infrastructure, guaranteed cargo volumes from business operators, and the sustainability of services before the Java–NTT route is officially implemented.